Gelareh Abbasi
Biography
Born in Tehran in 1983, Gelareh Abbasi developed a deep interest in theater and storytelling from an early age. She graduated from the University of Art and Architecture with a degree in Drama and continued her training at the renowned Film Acting School under the supervision of actor Amin Tarokh. Abbasi later earned a PhD in Cinema Acting, reflecting her academic commitment to performance and film studies.
Her professional career began in 2001 and quickly expanded across cinema and television. Abbasi first appeared on screen in the feature film Homeland (2005) and soon became a recognizable figure through dramatic and historical roles. Her notable performances include Nafas (Breath, 2016), Objects in Mirror (2013), and Ablagh (Pinto, 2021), each demonstrating her ability to portray emotionally layered characters with nuance and grace.
In television, Abbasi has played leading roles in popular series such as In the Eyes of Wind (2009), Kimiya (2015), and the critically acclaimed period drama Shahrzad (2015 – 2018), which brought her widespread public recognition. Her ability to embody complex female characters has made her a standout presence in Iranian television and cinema alike.
Beyond acting, Abbasi is committed to social advocacy. Through her foundation Sevina, she has worked to make film and theater accessible to the visually impaired community in Iran, producing audio-described versions of feature films and live performances. Her initiative marks a pioneering step in inclusive cinema and media representation within the Iranian arts landscape.
Filmography
Selected Films
- 2023 – Leather Jacket Man – Dir. Hossein Mirzamohammadi
- 2022 – The Fathers – Dir. Salem Salavati
- 2022 – Decedent (Shadravan)* – Dir. Hossein Namazi
- 2021 – Lady of the City (Shahr Banou)* – Dir. Maryam Bahrololoomi
- 2021 – Pinto (Ablagh)* – Dir. Narges Abyar
- 2016 – Breath (Nafas)* – Dir. Narges Abyar
- 2014 – Track 143 (Shiar 143)* – Dir. Narges Abyar
- 2013 – Objects in Mirror (Ashia az Dar Ayeneh)* – Dir. Narges Abyar
- 2007 – Mad of Leyli (Majnoun Leyli)* – Dir. Ghasem Jafari
- 2005 – Homeland (Sarzamine Madari)* – Dir. Kambiz Kashefi
Selected Television Series
- 2023 – Actor – Dir. Nima Javidi
- 2021 – Dracula – Dir. Mehran Modiri
- 2015–2018 – Shahrzad – Dir. Hassan Fathi
- 2015 – Kimiya – Dir. Javad Afshar
- 2009 – In the Eyes of Wind – Dir. Masoud Jafari Jozani
- 2008 – Mother’s Song – Dir. Hossein Soheili Zadeh
- 2005 – Night Way – Dir. Dariush Farhang
Awards & Recognition
- Best Actress — Russian Silver Horse Festival
- Best Actress — Women’s Film Festival (Iran)
- Founder of Sevina Foundation (2019) for audio description initiatives in Persian-language cinema
Additional recognitions connected to films in which she starred — including Breath and Ablagh — have also garnered international awards for their directors and cast.
